Columbia Announces New Mary Mary

Source: Columbia Records via PRNewswswire

(September 03, 2008) *NEW YORK -- Columbia Records is proud to announce the upcoming release of The Sound, the avidly awaited new studio album from the platinum-selling chart-topping award-winning R&B/gospel duo Mary Mary. The Sound will be available online and in stores on Tuesday, October 14.

The Sound is Mary Mary's first new album since the release of A Mary Mary Christmas in October 2006 and is the duo's first new full-length non-seasonal album since release of the RIAA gold-certified Top 10 collection Mary Mary in July 2005.

The Sound premieres 11 new Mary Mary performances including the album's recently released lead single, "Get Up," a pop-infused anthem of praise and empowerment. "That song embodies what the whole album is about," says Mary Mary's Erica Campbell. "It asks people, 'Why are you waiting? Why do you care what other people think?' It reminds us that your beginning can be whenever you want it to be."

Other tracks on The Sound include the R&B-flavoured title track "The Sound," "Superfriend," "God In Me," "Boom," "I'm Running," "Forgiven Me," "Dirt," "Seattle," "I Worship You," and "It Will All Be Worth It."

With able assistance from longtime producer and collaborator Warryn Campbell, Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell, the real life sisters a/k/a Mary Mary, weave their love of truth-grounded gospel music into a tuneful blend of R&B, pop, soul, jazz, electronic music, and more. (Erica's husband, Warryn Campbell has produced all of Mary Mary's albums including the RIAA platinum-certified Thankful as well as the RIAA gold-certified Incredible and RIAA gold-certified Mary Mary.)

As Mary Mary, Erica and Tina Campbell bring a revolutionary combination of R&B, urban, hip-hop and electronica to the world of contemporary gospel music.

Growing up in Inglewood, California, Erica and Tina first sang publicly in the local church choir and received their first break in 1998 with a song on the "Prince of Egypt" soundtrack.

In 2000, Mary Mary's platinum debut album, Thankful -- featuring the hit "Shackles (Praise You)" -- earned numerous awards including a Grammy for Best Contemporary Gospel Album and three Dove Awards, six Stellar Awards, a Lady of Soul Award, a Soul Train Award. Incredible, their second album, became the nation's #1 Top Christian Album in 2002 and featured the Dove Award-winning hits "In The Morning" and "Thank You," featuring Kirk Franklin.

While Erica and Tina took a break after recording their second album to start -- and spend time with -- their respective families, the platinum-selling duo found the time to bring their exuberant gospel soul sounds down new avenues, including an appearance in the 2003 musical comedy, "The Fighting Temptations," and concert performances around the world.

In November 2005, Mary Mary took home the coveted American Music Awards trophy in the Contemporary Inspirational Music category, adding to a growing collection of critical and popular kudos that includes a Grammy and numerous other awards.

The Grammy-winning R&B/gospel duo Mary Mary crossed over into Top 10 pop territory when the group's self-titled new album, released in July 2005, debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 best-selling album chart, the highest Top 200 chart position in the group's career. (Mary Mary's previous albums -- 2000's Thankful and 2002's Incredible -- peaked at #59 and #20, respectively.)

When Mary Mary subsequently debuted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel album sales chart, it became the best-selling Gospel debut of 2005.

"Heaven," the first single from Mary Mary, made chart history during its unprecedented 9 week run as the #1 record on Billboard's Gospel Radio chart. "Heaven" was also a #1 R&R Gospel Radio Single which hit the #3 slot on the Billboard Bubbling Under -- Hot R&B Singles chart."

For more information:
http://www.columbiarecords.com
http://www.mary-mary.com